Neon Tetra XL 3.5cm

Neon Tetra

The humble Neon Tetra has to be in the top 3 most popular aquarium fish around the world, these fish have been in the aquarium hobby for decades and are often the first tropical aquarium fish people keep. They are inexpensive, look stunning, stay small, and are fairly easy to take care of. Aside from being a great community fish, Neon Tetras are also a fantastic species to keep in a species-only black water aquarium.

Neon Tetras get their name due to the bright neon blue stripe that looks like a neon shop sign. These fish only reach around 4 cm when fully grown, however, their colours really do pack a punch, the body colour tends to be a solid grey but with a blue flash and blood-red stripe through half the body. In a group of 6 or more the schooling behaviour and colours really start to look amazing, just imagine how great a school of 100 Neon Tetras would look in a large planted aquarium. The relaxed and elegant nature of these fish also makes them the perfect complementary species for high-tech planted aquascapes.

Due to their availability and cheap price breeding these fish in the home aquarium is not all that common but it is possible. To get the best success it is best to create a breeding aquarium with dense leaf litter or spawning mops. These are egg-scattering fish where females will scatter eggs through the aquarium and males follow by fertilizing. Females tend to be rounder-bodied compared to males however there are no direct distinguishing factors. The wild origin of Neon Tetras is South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Neon Tetra

Being a very small and relatively easy to care for fish the Neon Tetra can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being a 40-litre system. These fish can be kept in a very affordable aquarium setting as well with just a simple sponge filter, low-power lighting, some moss, and simple decor. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as well as a lot of plant growth which not only makes them contrast really well but also makes them more comfortable in the aquarium to swim out in the open. Neon Tetras are soft water fish meaning they require a low PH. They can be kept in the PH as low as 6 and will even look stunning in a black water aquarium setting.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Neon Tetra is an extremely peaceful fish that displays no aggression at all. They may actually be quite shy which is why it is recommended to keep them in relatively large schools. They can also be shy and slow which is why it is better to avoid larger fast-moving fish.

Usually Compatible

Cardinal Tetras, Emperor Tetras, Plecos, Corydoras, Shrimp, Bolivian Rams, and other small community fish.

Sometimes Compatible

Neon Tetras can be a relatively slow fish so any fin-nipping species or fish that may outcompete them for food such as Giant Danios, Tiger Barbs, Angelfish, or Torpedo Barbs.

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as Rainbow Sharks, Raphael Catfish, and larger-mouthed community fish may prey on the tetras.

Feeding your Neon Tetra

Neon Tetras are a very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow-sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp.